This annual report is the first of a series of three thematic reports produced by the EU-DRIVERS project on the role of universities in regional innovation and how strong partnerships between universities, government/public authorities and the business sector can contribute to dynamic
successful innovation systems. The report contains a presentation of the European innovation policies and national trends which is accompanied by a brief theoretical discussion on triple helix partnerships. The report also includes the analysis of the various triple helix partnerships examples leading to a series of fi ndings and opportunities for successful partnerships at a time of economic crisis.